Simon’s STEM MBA

Simon’s STEM MBA option is a game changer.

Businesses today need leaders who understand data and analytics—and how to use them to solve complex and unstructured business problems. While a rigorous approach to analytical problem-solving has always been at the heart of Simon Business School’s curriculum, we’ve taken that focus a step further by offering the country's first STEM MBA option available regardless of a student’s specialization.

What is a STEM MBA?

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) designated degrees are highly sought after because they provide a competitive edge in the job market and the analytical skills needed to excel in today’s data-driven organizations.

LEADERS TODAY MUST BE DATA-DRIVEN But most are “nowhere close to realizing the potential of analytics,” according to a Harvard Business Review article Leaders who can use data for smarter decision-making are in high demand  200,000 job openings in STEM management roles projected by 2024 STEM + SIMON Simon's STEM MBA leverages the school's five decades of expertise in economics-based empirical and analytical research.

STEM EDUCATION GOES INTO BUSINESS academic degrees the US government deems eligible for official STEM designation Including business statistics, management science, and quantitative methods STEM designation allows international students up to 36 months of optional practical training (OPT) in a STEM-eligible role Only 12 months of OPT is available for students with non-STEM degrees

Additional resources on Simon’s STEM-designated MBA.

Watch our recorded webinars for additional information about Simon Business School’s STEM MBA option, how it can help international students extend their OPT, how to apply, and more. Have additional questions about our STEM MBA option? View our FAQs below or contact us at (585) 275-3533 or admissions@simon.rochester.edu.

STEM MBA FAQS

 Does choosing the STEM-designated MBA option extend the program or come with additional cost?

No. Electing to pursue the STEM-designated MBA does not change the two-year program length or the tuition cost.

How difficult is it to fulfill the requirements for the STEM-designated option?

68% of Simon’s MBA Class of 2018 retroactively met the requirements (completing 50% of coursework in STEM-designated credits) without even knowing it was an option. Half of our core classes are STEM eligible, so working with your academic advisor to intentionally plan your elective coursework will allow you to meet the requirements for the STEM designation.

Will STEM-eligible classes be available when I need to take them?

Yes. We have plenty of offerings that satisfy the STEM requirements across specializations and minors. We recommend you share the courses you are most interested in with your academic advisor and work with him or her to plan out your course of study so you are able to take advantage of electives offered periodically.

Are there additional math prerequisites?

Our math recommendations are the same for all incoming MBA students, regardless of whether you plan to pursue the STEM option. You can even satisfy the requirements without taking courses in programming. We recommend working closely with your academic advisor to chart the course of study that best fits your career goals.

Do you have to have an academic or professional background in a STEM field in order to pursue a STEM-designated MBA?

No! You are able to choose the STEM-designated MBA option regardless of your undergraduate major or previous work experience

I’m not sure I want to pursue the STEM-designated MBA. What percentage of students are non-STEM seeking?

Roughly 13% of 2019 MBA candidates are non-STEM seeking. There is no pressure to pursue the STEM-designated degree and regardless of the course of study you choose, you will graduate prepared to lead and make data-driven decisions.

Are students pursuing the STEM-designated MBA in separate classes from students who are non-STEM seeking?

All of our MBA students take classes together—regardless of the decision they made about the STEM-designated MBA.

How do I find a STEM-eligible job?

There are a range of fields offering STEM-eligible roles. For advice on achieving your specific career goals, you will work closely with staff at the Jay S. and Jeanne Benet Career Management Center.

How do I apply for the STEM-designated option?

There is no separate application for the STEM-designated option. A question in our online application asks if you are interested in pursuing the STEM-designated option—simply make your selection at that time and you will formalize with your academic advisor once you start the onboarding process after admission.